Sanctuary Cove boat show regains its mojo

Organisers of the 2016 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) are crowing after exhibitors reportedly said this SCIBS was the best one in six years.

As the doors closed on the event, millions of dollars in sales, an apparent increase in visitor volume, and positive sentiment were all attributed to 2016 SCIBS.

The show organisers say 41,621 visitors went through the gates over the four sunny days from May 19 to 22. In the upbeat press release, they also say millions of dollars in sales across the board helped create the best SCIBS since 2009.

In a positive omen for all exhibitors, Horizon Motor Yachts Australia was credited with making the first sale of show, that of its $2.8 million PC52, at 9am on the opening day.

Palm Beach Motor Yachts’ Mark Richards said they had been exhibiting at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show for the past 15 years and had claimed the same ‘lucky’ display spot for the past 10.

"It’s been a great show, with fantastic product. Our Palm Beach 55 has experienced extensive interest and we are expecting sales as a result of the show."

Maritimo’s Greg Haines said the team had sold multiple boats over the four days.

"There’s
a lot more people here this year who are really good quality leads –
specifically, we’ve had great international exposure," he said.

"We’ve
had dealers from Singapore, Europe, the USA and New Zealand and we have
collected more than 800 registrations of people who qualify as strong
leads."

Whitehaven Motor Yachts managing director Keith Hanson said it was the
best show since 2009 and the team had several deals pending.

"It’s
great to see the representation of the big brands here, and the quality
of not only the exhibitors but also the buyers," said Mr Hanson.

Gold Coast local Elandra Yachts’ Luke Durman said they
were looking likely to secure a contract on the new 53 model, and had
received positive enquiry on future plans for the new 49 model, which
the team released at SCIBS.

Affirming its luxury boat status, Sundance Marine director David Beck, who had the massive Monte Carlo MC70 on display, said the team had received ‘fantastic interest’ in the new model, along with other models in the range.

Ryan Leigh-Smith from Leigh Smith Yachts said the team had already sold two boats and were confident on additional sales on the new Alaska 43 and 49, following booked sea trials in the next few weeks.

Peter
Hrones from The Windcraft Group said they sold the Axopar 28 and had
taken several deposits on other boats, including the Axopar 37.

SMALL CRAFT ADD TO THE MIX
But organisers report the good news also extended to smaller craft. JSW Powersports reportedly
had a bumper SCIBS, with 35 jet skis sold from Thursday to Sunday. Sales
manager Marshall Lewis said SCIBS was the best show they go to all
year.

Long time SCIBS exhibitor Stefan Ackerie said this year’s show had been
fantastic, and even Mayor Tom Tate had been spotted checking out his
Fibrafort range.

"It’s beyond comprehension, our Karnic and new
Fibrafort range had been very well received. We have sold at least 10
boast, with 40-50 serious leads after the show," he said.

Exhibitors from the newly launched dedicated fishing and leisure precinct The Boatyard had also done well during the Show, with Bill Hull from Northside Marine pleasantly surprised with the number of contracts exchanged at SCIBS.

Errol Cain, of Australian Marine Wholesale also said this was the best Show in six years, with Friday and Saturday resulting in ‘phenomenal’ sales for the marine technology specialist, who sold hundreds of thousands of dollars in product over the four day event.

CATAMARAN CLIQUE
Multihull Solutions sold the Helia 44
Evolution Fontaine Pajot on the first day of the Show and by close of
business Sunday, had sold another Lucia 40, with a further four under
contract.

Multihull Central released the new Aquila 44 at SCIBS
and was happy to announce they had sold one model to a Mooloolaba buyer
at the Show.

Product manager Andrew McLeod said the team also sold the Seawind 1190 Sport in a syndicate to a high profile Queensland buyer.

"It
has been sensational, with extra interest and it feels like the market
is definitely lifting. We have had positive feedback from both
exhibitors and visitors. The enquiry has been predominantly local, with
the new Aquila going to a happy family in Mooloolaba."

LUXURY POSITIONING
SCIBS
2016 also saw the launch of the all-new Supercar Street precinct –
offering a stunning showcase of sports, convertible and luxury vehicles
headlined by major sponsor EuroMarque Maserati Brisbane.

Euromarque
Maserati Brisbane’s Clinton Wright said the team had sold seven cars
across the four days, including the Grand Turismo and Gibli – sold off
the display stand. He said they also had two pre-orders for the Bentley
Bentayga.

CONFIDENCE RETURNS
Back on the boating scene, SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said the response from exhibitors across the board was extremely positive and the boat show team was excited to have produced such a successful show for both exhibitors and visitors to enjoy.

"We are very pleased to hear our exhibitors have done so well across the four days. There has been such a great feeling of confidence and excitement across all market segments and we look forward to building on this success again next year," he said.  

The SCIBS team has announced show dates for 2017, which will see Queensland’s premier boat show return from May 25 to 28.